Analyser monitors oxygen levels in real time
in food packages without having to take samples directly from the
finished product.
OxySense said its new MAP 1000 system allows manufacturers to monitor oxygen levels in real-time in both batch process and form, fill and seal modified atmosphere packaging machines. The ability to track and document conditions when processing batches of foods has become increasingly important due to recent food-contamination crises. This monitoring allows processors to adjust equipment immediately, saving them from having too many rejects when things go wrong. Modified atmosphere packaging of replaces oxygen with other stable gases as a means of extending shelf life. "MAP 1000 is a breakthrough for food and beverage processors, whose need has never been greater for oxygen monitoring and MAP quality control in their plants," said Peter Gerard, OxySense's president and chief executive. The system does not require workers to take a sample atmosphere extraction from the package. and therefore does not require extraction pumps. MAP 1000 can take and log measurements as frequently as every second, the company claimed. Processors using batch systems can align them to coincide with each and every flush cycle. The company has based the design of MAP 1000 on its OxySense 4000 product, allowing processors to use a current installation. The MAP 1000 system is made up of a factory-floor master-process control unit, a separate touchscreen display and a new sensing unit, which can be customised to the requirements of each installation. MAP 1000 is designed to interface with line controllers and programmable logic controllers. The machine could also be connected directly to the plant network for data logging, processing documentation and tracking, the company said. MAP 1000 can also be configured as a direct controller to sound an alarm or shut down the machine if it records oxygen levels as being outside the acceptable range.
